Rotarians recently partnered with Friends of The Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) to restore the damaged fencing at the top of Loveland Pass. This heavily trafficked and popular tourist spot is remarkable for its scenic beauty. It's also popular as the trail head for the West Ridge Trail leading to the summit of the 12, 479’ mountain locally known as Rotary Peak. The old fencing helped to keep visitors on the established paths and off sensitive terrain, but had deteriorated to such a degree that Rotarians determined something needed to be done. It was an embarrassment to have visitors from around the world see the broken-down condition of the approach to one of our state's significant scenic wonders – the Continental Divide at 11,990'.

 

Joining with the FDRD, members of the Summit County and Littleton Rotary clubs worked together in restoring all the damaged buck-and-rail sections, and adding several new sections. Materials were secured and the project was directed by the FDRD Project Manager Doozie Martin. Public service trail maps and guides produced by Rotary Club donations here happily received by visitors and hikers. Those who successfully made the 1.5 mile hike to Rotary Peak were presented with a commemorative “I Climbed Rotary Peak” pin as evidence of their accomplishment.

 

Rotary once again proves that it has the means and ability to work together addressing needs at home and around the world. Future projects on the trails at Loveland Pass and on Rotary Peak are in the process of being evaluated.

 

Littleton Rotary has a long history of sponsoring high school students who wish to take part in Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program. This exceptional program opens the door to students who want to experience an academic year of study abroad. Likewise, Rotary Clubs welcome inbound students from around the world and arrange host families for them.

 

This past academic year, Littleton Rotary sponsored a student from Columbine High School who spent her time in Poprad, Slovakia. She recently visited our club to present a program summarizing her amazing experience. In addition to learning the language, she completed her academic studies successfully, enjoyed her host families, made lots of friends and loved the country and its history.

 

On the second Monday of each month, Littleton Rotary members volunteer at Project C.U.R.E. headquarters sorting donated new and surplus medical items. Those items are then boxed, palletised, and readied for shipment to clinics and hospitals in some of the world’s most critical areas. Teams of highly trained Project C.U.R.E. specialists travel to areas of need and do on-site evaluations. Once the evaluation of needs are completed, Project C.U.R.E. works to prepare the shipment and secures funding for transport.

Littleton Rotary spearheaded the fundraising effort that ultimately lead to the purchase of Project C.U.R.E’s. world headquarters located in Centennial, CO.